2006 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK parking brake

Black plate (126,1)
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
Shifting from N or P:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine is
running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move suddenly,
causing an accident or serious injury.
If the engine is running faster than
idle, don't shift from N or P into a
driving gear.
Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear/5-gear
*sequence.
* 2.3-liter engine model
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-13).
qShift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Move the shift lever.
NOTE
lWhen the ignition switch is in the
ACC or LOCK position, the shift
lever cannot be shifted from P.
lTo be sure the vehicle is in park,the
ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in P.
qShift-Lock Override
If the shift lever won't move from P using
the proper shift procedure, continue to
hold down the pedal.
1. Remove the shift-lock override cover
with a screwdriver.
5-12
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G

Black plate (149,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-23).
2. After adding fluid, check the light
again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes out have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes
an indicator of leakage. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible even if the brake light is no
longer illuminated.
WARNING
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or
that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains on, after
checking that the parking brake is
fully released, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don't drive
with this light on, have the vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
qABS Warning Lightí
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-35íSome models. Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition2 Page149
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G

Black plate (162,1)
qLights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a continuous
beep sound will be heard when the
driver's door is opened.
qHeadlight High-Low Beam
Push the lever forward for high beam.
Pull back to original position for low
beam.
High beam
Low beam
qFlashing the Headlights
To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
toward you. The headlight switch does
not need to be on, and the lever will return
to the normal position when released.
qHeadlight Levelingí
The number of riders and weight of cargo
in the luggage compartment change the
angle of the headlights.
The headlight leveling switch adjusts this
angle.
Select the proper setting from the following chart.
Front seat
Rear
seatLoadSwitch
Position
Driver Passenger
×―――0
××――0
×× ×―1
×× ×× 2
×――×3
×: Yes
―:No
qDaytime Running Lights (Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off
when the parking brake is applied.
5-48
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G

Black plate (232,1)
Changing a Flat Tire
NOTE
If the following occurs while driving, it
could indicate a flat tire.
lSteering becomes difficult.
lThe vehicle begins to vibrate
excessively.
lThe vehicle pulls in one direction.
If you have a flat tire, drive slowly to a
level spot that is well off the road and out
of the way of traffic to change the tire.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a
busy road is dangerous.
WARNING
Jacking a Vehicle:
Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure someone.
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire, and never get under a
vehicle that is supported only by a
jack.
Passenger in Vehicle Supported by a
Jack:
Allowing someone to remain in a
vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury. Never allow anyone inside a
vehicle supported by a jack.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
The wheels equipped on your Mazda
are specially designed for installation of
the tire pressure sensors. Do not use
non-genuine wheels, otherwise it may
not be possible to install the tire
pressure sensors.
NOTE
lMake sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code whenever tires
or wheels are changed (page 5-25).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in Park (P), a manual
transaxle in Reverse (R) or 1, and turn
off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle
and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire
(page 7-3).
7-6
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G

Black plate (238,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Cooling Fan and Engine
Inspection:
Inspecting the engine with the ignition
switch in the ON position is
dangerous. The cooling fan could turn
on unexpectedly even when the engine
isn't running. You could be seriously
injured by the fan. Turn the ignition
switch off and remove the key from the
ignition switch when you inspect the
engine.
Cooling System Cap:
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot
out under pressure and cause serious
injury. Don't remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot.
Steam from Overheated Engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you. Open the hood
ONLY after steam is no longer
escaping from the engine.If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in park (P), a manual
transaxle in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,
then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
6. When cool, check the coolant level.
If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-12
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G

Black plate (245,1)
Towing Description
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
front wheels off the ground. If excessive
damage or other conditions prevent this,
use wheel dollies.
Wheel dollies
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Don't tow the vehicle pointed backward
with driving wheels on the ground. This
may cause internal damage to the
transaxle.
CAUTION
Don't tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
7-19
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G

Black plate (273,1)
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
qInspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
2.3-liter engine
CAUTION
lAlways check the automatic
transaxle fluid level according to the
following procedure. If the
procedure is not done correctly, the
automatic transaxle fluid level
cannot be measured accurately
which could lead to automatic
transaxle damage.
lA low fluid level can cause transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.
lUse only the specified fluid. A non-
specified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Make sure there is no ATF leakage
from the ATF hose or the housing.
3. Shift the shift lever to the park position
(P), start the engine and warm it up.
CAUTION
Do not shift the shift lever while the
engine is warming up. If the ATF level
is extremely low, the automatic
transaxle could be damaged.
4. While the engine is still idling, pull out
the dipstick and wipe it clean, and then
put it back.
5. Check the ATF level. If there is no ATF
adhering 5 mm from the end of the
dipstick, add ATF.
CAUTION
If there is no ATF adhering to the
dipstick even after the engine has been
warmed up, do not drive the vehicle.
Otherwise, the automatic transaxle
could be damaged.
6. Shift the shift lever to each range and
position, and make sure there is no
abnormality.
7. Drive the vehicle on city roads for 5
km (3.1 mile) or more.
8. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-25
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G

Black plate (274,1)
9. Shift the shift lever to the park position
(P), check the ATF level while the
engine is idling, and make sure that the
ATF level is within the proper level. If
the ATF level is not within the proper
level, add ATF.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Full
OK
Low
2.0-liter engine
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.
CAUTION
lLow fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.
lUse specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Start the engine and depress the brake
pedal.3. Move the shift lever through all ranges
and set it at P.
WARNING
Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
5. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Full
A
LowFull
B
Low
Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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